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Musculoskeletal Radiology

 FAQs: Musculoskeletal Radiology (MSK)

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Please call or email for any MSK procedure-related questions or same-day add-ons (MRI, MSK ultrasound, injection clinic).

FAQs: Musculoskeletal Radiology (MSK)

MSK

 

  • Main campus: MR1 1.5T Siemens Sola,  MR2 1.5T Phillips Ingenia, MR3 3T Siemens Vida, MR4 1.5T Siemens Aera, MR5 3T Siemens Skyra, MR6 3T Phillips Ingenuity, MR8 3T Siemens Skyra, MR20 1.5T Siemens Aera, PW4 MR 1.5T Phillips Ingenia
  • KKaty/West Campus: MR1 1.5T Phillips Achieva,  MR2 3T Siemens Vida
  • Woodlands: 1 MRI 3T Siemens Vida, 1 MRI 1.5T Siemens Sola

 

We perform musculoskeletal ultrasound exams for sports medicine, rheumatologic or orthopedic indications. These procedures are performed by pediatric trained sonographers under the direct supervision of the attending pediatric musculoskeletal radiologist.

 

  1. What happens during the exam?  Our Pediatric MSK Radiologist will take pictures using x-rays or ultrasound before injecting the contrast in your child’s joint. After the injection, your child will get pictures done in our MRI suite to provide more information about what is wrong with the joint.
  2. Will my child feel pain during the procedure? Your child will have numbing skin cream applied over the joint being examined that will stay on for at least 20 minutes for optimal results. The Radiologist will also give numbing medicine during the procedure. Afterward, your child should feel pressure but not pain as we perform the arthrogram.
  3. How long does the entire procedure take? The arthrogram usually takes about 15 minutes. The MRI scan may take 35-45 minutes, depending on the joint and number of scans that have to be done. You should allow approximately 2 hours from arrival at the radiology department.
  4. What are the risks of arthrogram? Arthrograms are safe procedures and complications are unusual. Minor complications include bruising or increase in soreness in the joint for 24-48 hours following the injection. The most serious complication is an infection of the joint (approximately 1 in 300 cases).
  5. Are there any activity restrictions following the procedure?  Your child should rest the joint for 24 hours and refrain from strenuous activity for a week. For any further questions please call your ordering physician.

 

  1. What happens during the exam?  Our Pediatric MSK Radiologist will take pictures using x-rays or ultrasound before injecting the steroid in your child’s joint.
  2. What procedures do you offer for the MSK injection clinic? We perform fluoroscopic or ultrasound guided steroid injections for joints or tendon sheaths for patients who are symptomatic and under the care of a rheumatologist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician. We also perform arthrograms in which we inject contrast dye into a joint  prior to an MRI.
  3. Who is performing my . procedure in the MSK injection clinic? All procedures are performed or supervised by an attending radiology physician with subspecialty training in pediatric musculoskeletal radiology. Texas Children’s Hospital is a teaching institution and residents and fellows (radiologists-in-training) may perform the procedure under the direct supervision of an attending radiology physician. If you prefer that the procedure be performed only by the attending physician, please let us know at the time of arrival for your procedure.
  4. Will my child feel pain during the procedure?  Your child will have numbing skin cream applied over the joint being examined that will stay on for at least 20 minutes for optimal results. The Radiologist will also give numbing medicine during the procedure.  Afterward, your child should feel pressure but not pain as we perform the steroid injection.
  5. What are the risks and are there any restrictions following the procedure? Rare complications include skin site depigmentation and skin dimpling. Minor complications include bruising. We ask that your child refrain from physical therapy or activity for 48 hours.

 

  1. What happens during the exam? Our pediatric MSK radiologist will take pictures ultrasound before injecting the steroid in your child’s cyst.
  2. Will my child feel pain during the procedure? Your child will have numbing skin cream applied over the cyst that will stay on for at least 20 minutes for optimal results. The radiologist will also give numbing medicine during the procedure. Afterward, your child should feel pressure but not pain as we perform the aspiration.
  3. How long does my child wear the brace? Someone in our MSK team will give you instructions on care following the procedure. It is very important to follow these instructions. Your child will wear the wrist brace for 4 weeks. The first 2 weeks will need to be kept on all day and night while sleeping. Your child should only take it off for bathing. For week 3 and 4 the brace can be removed during the day and only worn at night while sleeping. These instructions are also posted above. 

 

  1. Will my child need sedation? In most cases, children can stay awake during the study. The Texas Children’s Child Life Department, if necessary, will be present to create a friendly environment. Depending upon individual cases, the pediatric radiologist may recommend mobile sedation (for procedures lasting 90 minutes or less) or general anesthesia (for complex procedures generally lasting more than 90 minutes).

For any pre-procedural questions, please call 832-826-5336 and for post-procedural questions, please call 832-824-7237 or email mskradiology@texaschildrens.org for assistance.

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